PETALING JAYA: A childcare centre in Hospital Seberang Jaya has been temporarily shut down after the death of a baby under its care, says the Social Welfare Department.
The four-month-old baby, Hayl Haarith Mohd Syafaeez, died while under the care of Taska Pintar, Hospital Seberang Jaya.
The baby had been placed at the centre for about a month after his mother started working at Seberang Jaya Hospital.
Sinar Harian reported that the baby's father Mohd Syafaeez Mat Liki, 35, initially believed the death was from natural causes.
"The autopsy revealed several suspicious injuries on the baby's head, eyes, nose and right side of the face," he said, adding there were wounds on the scalp, apparently caused by a blunt object.
In a statement on March 11, the department said officers visited the centre for a preliminary investigation under the Child Act 2001 after receiving the report.
Officers also conducted compliance checks under the Child Care Centre Act and related operating regulations.
"The department also provided initial psychosocial support to the victim's mother and family members.
"We acknowledge that the case is currently under investigation by the police.
"Every registered childcare centre under the Child Care Centre Act must comply with set regulations, including caregiver qualifications and child safety procedures.
"If proven that there has been any violations, strict action will be taken, including suspension of operations or cancellation of the centres registration," said the department.
